DULUTH, Minn. — Editor's Note: The video above first aired on June 1, 2023.
Bone-dry conditions are behind a decision by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to impose burning restrictions in a number of counties in the northeastern part of the state.
The restrictions, which kick in on Wednesday, June 14, impact residents who live in or visit Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis Counties. Among the burning restrictions that will be in effect:
- Burning permits will be be issued to dispose of brush or yard waste
- No fireworks can be ignited on public or private lands outside city limits
- Campfires are only allowed in an established fire ring associated with a home, campground or resort.
- No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping
With high temps and little precipitation expected in the extended forecast statewide, fire danger is expected to remain high through the end of June. While residents and visitors in Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties may still see plenty of green vegetation, the current fire situation remains dangerous.
“Unusually dry conditions have increased the risk of fire," explained DNR wildfire prevention supervisor Allissa Reynolds. "One unintentional spark in these conditions could result in thousands of charred acres and property damage. This is a dangerous time for wildfires in northeast Minnesota.”
The burning restrictions that begin Wednesday will remain in effect until terminated by the DNR Commissioner when weather and environmental conditions warrant a reduction in fire danger.
Check out a map of burning restrictions across Minnesota at the DNR website.
WATCH MORE ON KARE 11+
Download the free KARE 11+ app for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV and other smart TV platforms to watch more from KARE 11 anytime! The KARE 11+ app includes live streams of all of KARE 11's newscasts. You'll also find on-demand replays of newscasts; the latest from KARE 11 Investigates, Breaking the News and the Land of 10,000 Stories; exclusive programs like Verify and HeartThreads; and Minnesota sports talk from our partners at Locked On Minnesota.
- Add KARE 11+ on Roku here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Roku Channel Store.
- Add KARE 11+ on Fire TV here or by searching for KARE 11 in the Amazon App Store.
- Learn more about the KARE 11+ app for Apple TV in the Apple App Store.
- Learn more about KARE 11+ here.
Watch more KARE in the Air:
Check out amazing drone video of Minnesota's most beautiful and iconic spots in our YouTube playlist: